“Y ou’ve filtered these, right?” Luis de la Fuente inquires, glancing at the laptop displaying questions before him, chuckling softly. He settles into his seat on the third floor of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where Spain has just completed their training session ahead of a crucial last-16 match against Portugal. Outside, several players continue their drills in the warm sunshine, in the same venue where Bebeto famously celebrated in 1994. This moment comes in the wake of Cape Verde’s impressive performance against Argentina, highlighting the World Cup’s ability to evoke lasting memories, with each fan carrying their unique recollections.
“Because of what it means for Spain, it has to be [Andrés] Iniesta’s goal,” De la Fuente states. “It’s not very original but that’s the image of the World Cup for us. I would have been at home watching it. I have always been very into the national team. Whenever the Selección played, it was an event at my parents’ house. My parents would watch, my brothers and sisters, people would come round to watch. That’s in Haro, La Rioja. And then as a professional, wherever the game found me, I would watch it. I would enjoy every World Cup game, but especially the Spain ones. There are other images of the World Cup, but that’s the most powerful.”
With Cape Verde’s newfound reputation, should the perspective on Spain’s opening match shift? De la Fuente responds, ‘Be yourself, enjoy football, with the responsibility that comes with it, the responsibility that you take on, but be yourself.’
When Lamine Yamal mentioned Nuno Mendes as his most feared opponent, what guidance would De la Fuente offer? “Lamine has faced Mendes several times,” he notes, referencing Yamal’s experiences with his club and national team. “In his developmental journey, he understands that significant matches against top-tier opponents are crucial for his growth. Lamine is a fierce competitor and will aim to overcome the disappointment from the Nations League final. Time has passed since then, and he has matured significantly. He is more confident, better at reading the game, and with every experience, he becomes a more complete player. My advice? ‘Be yourself, enjoy football, and embrace the responsibility that comes with it.’”
Regarding Borja Iglesias’ position within the team, De la Fuente elaborates, “Borja plays a pivotal role. He is diligently preparing for whenever his name is called. Recently, I expressed my disappointment to him about not being able to make him and Martín Zubimendi substitutions during the match against Austria due to unforeseen developments. This squad is filled with players ready to compete when necessary. While I wish everyone could have a chance, the reality of a World Cup is that every player is vital. Borja’s presence elevates the performance of the entire team.”
De la Fuente reflects on the connection between the current team and its diverse fanbase. “This is globalization at work,” he observes. “New dynamics are emerging, leading to a blend of races, beliefs, and ideas. Football mirrors society, playing a role in integration. It serves as a powerful unifying force, a beacon of values. While football has its darker sides, I prefer to focus on its positive essence, which benefits society and fosters unity.”
When asked about his favorite Spanish word, De la Fuente replies, “Respect. With respect as a foundation, anything can be built. Coexistence is constructed on respect. I once read that, and it resonates with me. Respect is the cornerstone of my philosophy, and it’s a principle I emphasize with the players without necessarily articulating it; it informs our decisions, behaviors, and attitudes.”
“What’s the hardest thing about being seleccionador?” a question arises. De la Fuente responds, “Selecting the team! I often remind myself that while we are coaches, our most crucial and challenging task is player selection. We can discuss technical and tactical ideas, and while every coach has their foundation, the difficult part lies in choosing players who best fit our vision. It’s tough to leave out someone who could easily belong in the squad.”
As for whether the current midfield can rival the one from the 2010 World Cup final, De la Fuente states, “Both midfields are remarkable. I genuinely believe, with the utmost respect for all, that we have the best midfield globally. We boast two top players for each position. I could name them: Rodrigo, Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Olmo, Merino, Baena, Gavi, and Fermín, who is absent due to injury. I might have missed someone, and they might be upset, but I remember all of them. The midfield from 2010 was extraordinary too; however, I believe we are nearly at that same level.”
On the topic of Pedri, who many see as the best midfielder yet remains underappreciated in English media, De la Fuente praises, “Pedri is a magician! He possesses unparalleled quality, talent, and technical skills. A teacher once defined technique as completing highly challenging tasks effortlessly. Pedri exemplifies this—he makes difficult actions look simple. Few can achieve that. His vision allows him to see passes that others overlook. That’s the hallmark of a genius.”
When asked about the essence of happiness, De la Fuente reflects, “As one ages, happiness becomes clearer. It encompasses recognizing what truly matters: color, life, health, and moments spent with loved ones—that’s the real color of happiness.”
Turning to culinary preferences, he emphatically states his preference for the Spanish omelet.
“Without onion! My mother dislikes onion, while my father and siblings enjoy it. I don’t share their taste. Tortilla is one of my favorites, but it has to be without onion.”
Regarding Mikel Oyarzabal’s playing style, De la Fuente asserts, “He is an exceptional player with a unique capacity to adapt to various positions on the field. I recall when people questioned the existence of a center forward; he is indeed there, albeit perhaps a different type. Mikel has excelled as an attacking midfielder and on both wings, consistently performing well. He comprehends every facet of the game and the critical moments within matches. I envision him as a future coach because of his remarkable game insight.”
Reflecting on Spain’s performance against Austria, which evoked memories of Brazil’s rhythmic play from the 1982 era, a question arises about influences from Telê Santana’s team. De la Fuente responds, “While my understanding of the game has evolved, it has been shaped significantly by my players. They have driven me to enhance my tactical approach based on their strengths. You need a foundational philosophy, but ultimately, they execute it on the field, so it’s crucial to equip them with the right tools. The players are the primary source of inspiration.”
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